Benton County Sheriff Releases Tattoo Images to Help Identify Man Found in Willamette River

Benton County, OR. — The Benton County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in identifying an adult male found deceased in the Willamette River on November 29, 2025. Investigators released photographs of two distinctive tattoos after exhausting leads and finding no matches to any known missing person reports in the region.

Deputies recovered the body around 4:15 p.m. near river mile 122, on the west side of the river by Hyak Park, after a passerby reported seeing a body floating in the water. Based on preliminary findings, investigators believe the man had been in the water for at least a week before recovery.

The tattoos—confirmed to be the only ones on the individual—are being shared to assist with identification. They include:

• A color tattoo on the upper left arm depicting a sea-goat figure, likely representing the Capricorn zodiac symbol (December 22–January 19).
• A black-and-white tattoo on the right ribcage showing a jester and the phrase, “Life’s all fun & games until the joke is on You,” written in cursive.

Investigators also noted a distinct scar above the navel. The man’s race remains undetermined due to the condition of the remains.

BCSO typically withholds personal identifying marks to notify family members privately. However, the lack of leads prompted investigators to release the images publicly in hopes that someone may recognize the tattoos or other distinguishing characteristics.

Anyone with information that could help identify the man is urged to contact the Benton County Sheriff’s Office at BentonCoSheriff@bentoncountyor.gov or call 541-753-8477 (TIPS).